A&E
It used to be that A&E was all about arts and entertainment. They’ve sure changed that all around in the past few years. But I find myself getting hooked on some of their programming these days, perhaps more hooked than I was before with shows on this cable network. It’s no secret that I like cop shows (scripted) and reality shows. This one is a true real reality show and it’s a cop show. The best of two worlds, I say!
Some of the real detectives from the various cities through the countries could be like characters we’ve met in Homicide: Life on the Streets or other realistically portrayed cop dramas. As I watch Lt Schillaci out of Miami, I’m thinking he would be great fodder for a show of his own and he’s a real character, quirky and all. But the kicker is that these guys (and gals) are really out there in the world investigating homicides. I’m feeling good about so many women being on the homicide divisions and often in a supervisory capacity. Cool.
The cases themselves can be a bit unsettling, so the show isn’t really for an audience easily affected by following true murders and not reenacted material. The First 48 tastefully blurs the truly macabre and gory stuff, but you do see enough to experience some of the horror of the murders. It’s a shocking expedition into a life far removed from my own and I’m mesmerized case after case. On observation, the majority of the cases have to do with drugs, gangs, or just plain ol’ stupidity carrying a gun.
We’re also privy to the interrogations which can be an art form by some of the detectives. Get ‘em to trust you and open up to you. The guilty (presumed innocent until found guilty) tend to want to nap. Sheesh, if I were brought into an interrogation room, there’s no way I would want to nap! But, then again, the worst I’ve done in the killing arena has been fishing years ago or accidentally killing a pheasant and a raccoon with my car. Not at the same time, mind you. It’s not like I was on a killing spree.
What puzzles me is how many times the suspects confess. Often the detectives are telling us or their fellow cops that they need a confession to seal the case. A lot of the cities involved in the show are in states where there’s a death penalty used. I suppose it’s pretty stupid for people to go around killing other people unless they’re in fear for their own life. So maybe these suspects for the most part are just plain stupid. But if I ever were to commit a murder, although it would be quite the lunge away from my lifestyle, I’d sit there and say, “Lawyer. I want a lawyer.” I mean, after all, homicide isn’t something that can be pooh-poohed away like a parking ticket. Why are the suspects so often helping the cops prove their cases against themselves? Back to stupidity.
If the police don’t get a clue within the first 48 hours, the case can grow cold. Tick, tick, tick. I’m into the show. Am I just a very twisted dark individual or are you watching it, too?
Clacked by Jackie Schnoop 
on Oct 10, 2008 @ 11:00 EST5EDT
You know, this is a show that I have always wanted to watch but have never quite gotten around to. I think I’ll have to DVR up an episode or two and give it a shot.
Thanks Jackie!